I support the proposed…

I support the proposed amendments to the current falconry regulations.

Allowing licensed falconers the opportunity to capture the common species listed from anywhere in the province is a step forward to easing the current restrictions. Eliminating the current lottery process will allow all eligible licensed falconers to acquire a bird when they would like to and not just in a given year. These freedoms would certainly be appreciated by the falconry community.

Part 2 of the proposal allowing for the limited harvest of northern goshawks is a great improvement to falconry in Ontario. The goshawk can be a challenging bird to train and fly successfully and only a limited number of falconers might be interested. Experienced falconers should be allowed to enjoy this privilege.

Goshawks are seldom seen secretive birds by nature leading some to believe they are extremely rare. Very few people come across goshawks in the wild because of this behaviour. Recent studies have shown that there are thriving fringe populations (southern extensions of their primary range) of these birds in southern Ontario that would sustain the proposed limited harvest. The vast expanse of goshawk habitat in the remainder of the province is certain to have many many more birds.

I have had the good fortune to see many hundreds of wild goshawks in Ontario, mostly at or near nesting sites. The goshawks I have randomly encountered amount to only a few dozen even though I am always on the lookout for them. I've had a special lifelong interest in goshawks and would not want to see any harm come to their stability as an Ontario species. In my opinion for what it's worth, a limited harvest of a few individuals would certainly bring no harm to the general northern goshawk population and would enhance the falconry experience for many.